Do you know this number??? Put it in the phone now. Why you ask? Well, if you don’t know it you should, it is the Poison Control Number available to everyone and is staffed by Pharmacists and RNs trained in toxicology. No matter what your age, you never know when that accident will occur and fumbling to get information is seconds away when you dial this free number. I will never forget the first pediatric patient I cared for that accidentally ingested Draino. Yes, Draino! She was three and under the sink, her kitchen cabinet held all kinds of mysterious bottles. Very colorful, and attractive to a child who is looking for adventure in ALL the wrong places — no there was no child proof handles in the home. After 6 surgeries to correct her badly damaged esophagus/stomach and small intestine she was lucky to be alive, she lived in the hospital, was fed via tubes for years. Not a way a normal healthy child should grow and develop. There are so many things you can do to child safety proof your home. Here are a few suggestions but there are many more online. (aap.org and cdc.gov):

1. Teach children early what is off limits, no playing with products — empty or full.
2. Go room by room and get on the child’s level to see what they see—you may be surprised at all they can get to.
3. Simple household items can be deadly — mouth wash, plant food, bleach, liquor, paint, powdered cleaners  and cigarette butts!
4. If in the event a child or adult takes a pill that you are uncertain of what it is, bring it with you to the ER. They can help determine what it is.
5. It is not always recommended to induce vomiting, call for help first.
6. And finally, Always keep calm in an emergency. Quick action could save a life.